Name Change Instructions

During and After Divorce

In Georgia, changing your legal name during a divorce typically involves requesting the name change as part of the divorce proceedings. If you want to revert to your maiden name or a former name, you can include a specific request for this in your divorce petition. The court will consider your request, and if granted, the judge will issue an order allowing you to change your name. Once the final divorce decree is signed and certified, it will act as the legal document for the name change. You may use this decree to prove your identification and change your name on personal records. Please let your attorney know as soon as you decide you would like to change your name so that this can be included in your divorce filing.

If you decide to change your name after your divorce is finalized or for any other reason, there are a few steps you must follow. According to the Georgia.gov website, in order to change your name if you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, you must submit a petition to your local Superior Court. The petition must include your current legal name, the name you wish to adopt, and the reason for the change. You'll also need to provide personal details such as your date of birth, address, and any criminal history.

After filing the petition, you’ll typically need to pay a filing fee. The court will schedule a hearing, and you must publish a notice of the petition in a local newspaper, unless the change is for safety reasons (such as in cases of domestic violence, where you may request a waiver of the publication requirement). At the hearing, the judge will review your petition and any objections, if applicable. If the judge approves the petition, they will issue a court order granting the name change.

Agencies and Institutions to Notify

After a legal name change, it is important to notify several agencies and institutions to ensure your records are updated. Here is a list of places to notify:

• Social Security Administration (SSA) – Update your Social Security record and obtain a new Social Security card.
• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration.
• Passport Agency – Update your passport if you have one.
• Banks and Financial Institutions – Update your name on bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investments.
• Employer – Notify your employer to update payroll records, tax forms (W-2, W-4), and benefits.
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Ensure the IRS has your correct name for tax purposes.
• Credit Reporting Agencies – Update your name with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
• Health Insurance Providers – Notify your health insurance company and update your insurance card.
• Utility Companies – Update your name with electricity, water, gas, and internet providers.
• Voter Registration – Update your voter registration.
• Professional Licensing Agencies – Update your name with professional boards or licensing authorities.
• Educational Institutions – Notify your school or university to update records and transcripts.
• Mortgage or Landlord – Notify your mortgage lender or landlord.
• Legal Documents – Update your name on legal documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
• Subscriptions and Memberships – Notify organizations, clubs, or other memberships.
• Medical Providers – Update your name with doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies.
• Insurance Providers – Update your name with car, home, life, or other insurance providers.

It's important to keep a copy of the court order or other legal documentation confirming the name change when notifying these entities.